Carlow Culinary Christmas
Renowned horticulturalist, passionate foodie, celebrated entrepreneur and Bord Bia board member, Rachel Doyle, is rolling up her sleeves and has accepted yet another challenge.
Just days after scooping the National Garden Centre of the Year award from Retail Excellence Ireland and finishing in the top tier in the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year competition, the Executive Chairperson of the Arboretum is preparing to be a contestant in Carlow Culinary Christmas’ long-awaited celebrity cook-off.
The fun event is one of over 100 on the County Carlow - A Festive Family Experience programme designed to appeal to Carlow’s growing, multi-cultural communities as well as visitors to the town and county.
“When we first opened up a coffee shop at the Arboretum, I’d get up at 4am and bake,” Rachel Doyle said. “To this day, if they need a hand in the kitchen, I’m only glad to play my part. The three day Carlow Culinary Christmas programme from December 6 to 8 is a fantastic celebration of what is authentic and special about our growing food culture in Carlow.
“I’m delighted to be taking part in the cook off on the Saturday night. Carlow has some of the best fruit, vegetable, organic and free range producers in Ireland and I know I’ll have the best of local produce in the mystery bag of ingredients I’ll be given on the night.
“I love to bake. It’s my way of relaxing. I wanted to do Domestic Science when I left school but it was very expensive so I went to college in my early 20s instead and studied Horticulture. We started the garden centre from our home and now have the centres in Leighlinbridge in Carlow and at Kilquade in Wicklow. We’re over 40 years in business and now have 113 fantastic staff between the two hubs.”
Rachel says she loves to cook. “My signature dishes are a smoked salmon dish layered with potatoes, crushed garlic, white sauce and lots of grated cheese or a boiled chicken dish with broccoli, topped off with a tin of Campbell’s Mushroom Soup, mayonnaise, cream and curry powder. I’m a big potato fan and the only thing I don’t really cook with is avocado so I’d better look up a recipe with that, just in case it is among my ingredients for the Cook Off.”
The Arboretum is a hive of activity throughout the year and has become a destination for those who want top quality plants, helpful tips and advice or to dine in Rachel’s award-winning café, choose home furniture or giftware, browse through the fashion outlet and pet zone. December used to be one of the Arboretum’s quietest months but their Christmas Experience has made it a boom time for the family-run business which also sees Rachel’s sons, Barry and Fergal, deeply involved as CEO and CCO respectively.
“We absolutely love Christmas. I never get sick of it. It goes on for 7 months here and we love to see people come in and see their faces light up. We buy for Christmas, it is delivered and priced in July and Christmas begins soon after. Christmas has gone from one of our slowest to our second best month of the year so it’s fantastic not to have to let staff go.”
Carlow Local Enterprise Office is working with businesses, community groups, charities and organisations throughout the town and county to make it a magnet for Christmas revellers and families in particular. It’s always a popular destination and not just includes the various events and activities at the Arboretum but also the Santa Train Experience at Rathwood, Christmas at Huntington Castle and the fabulous Christmas Farmers Market.
Carlow County Council CE, Kathleen Holohan, said: “This year Carlow has added some really magical events and offerings to appeal to all our communities and to make the festive period a special time of year. Carlow is fast becoming a coveted destination for festive fun and food. We’re very lucky to have excellent food producers, a thriving café, bar and restaurant culture, quality hotels and accommodation providers. Carlow really is a homely, safe, easily accessible and unique destinations and we really go all out for the festive season. I look forward to a record-breaking 2018 in Carlow,” she said.
Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, Brian O’Donoghue, added: “Christmas is a very special time of year for all our communities, as well as visitors to Carlow town and county. We are proud to offer such an array of events for everyone to enjoy. We look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors and to a brilliant Christmas and holiday season for everyone.”
ENDS
Neans McSweeney,Director,McSweeney Media,11 Patrick Street,Kilkenny.00 353 86 2620 355 www.mcsweeneymedia.ie
